Part 3 (2/2)

_Thomas Ruttledge._ I can't make head or tail of what you are at.

_Colonel Lawley._ What he is at is fads.

_Mr. Green._ I don't think his motive is far to seek. He has some idea of going back to the dark ages. Rousseau had some idea of the same kind, but it didn't work.

_Paul Ruttledge._ Yes; I want to go back to the dark ages.

_Mr. Green._ Do you want to lose all the world has gained since then?

_Paul Ruttledge._ What has it gained? I am among those who think that sin and death came into the world the day Newton eat the apple. [_To_ MRS. RUTTLEDGE, _who is going to speak._] I know you are going to tell me he only saw it fall. Never mind, it is all the same thing.

_Mrs. Ruttledge._ [_Beginning to cry._] Oh! he is going mad!

_Mr. Joyce._ I'm afraid he is really leaving us.

_Paul Ruttledge._ [_Who has been looking at papers, tearing one or two, etc., takes out a packet of notes, which he puts in his breast._] I daresay this will last me long enough, Thomas. I am not robbing you of very much. Well, good-bye. [_Pats him gently on the shoulder._] I mustn't forget the rabbit, it may be my dinner to-night; I wonder who will skin it. Good-bye, Colonel, I think I've astonished you to-day.

[_Slaps his shoulder._] That was too hard, was it? Forgive it, you know I'm a common man now. [_Lifts his hat and goes out of gate. Closes it after him and stands with his hands on it, and speaks with the voice of a common man._] Go on, live in your poultry-yard. Scratch straw and cluck and cackle at everything that you take for a fox. [_Exit._

_Mr. Joyce._ [_Goes to_ MRS. RUTTLEDGE, _who has sat down and is wiping her eyes._] I am very sorry for this, for his father's sake, but it may be as well in the end. If it comes to the worst, you and Thomas will keep up the family name better than he would have done.

_Mr. Dowler._ He'll find the poor very different from what he thinks when they pick his pocket.

_Colonel Lawley._ To think that a magistrate should have such fads!

_Mr. Green._ I venture to say you will see him here in a very different state of mind in a week.

_Mr. Algie._ [_Who has been in a brown study._] He has done for himself in this world and the next. Why, he won't be asked to a single shoot if this is heard of.

_Thomas Ruttledge._ [_Turning from the gate._] Here are the children, Georgina. Don't say anything before the nurse.

_Mr. Green._ Well, I must be off. [_Goes in for stick._

_Mr. Joyce._ Just bring me out my coat, Green.

[_They all prepare to go._ MRS. RUTTLEDGE _has gone to open gate and children come in, one in a perambulator. All gather round them admiringly._

_Mr. Joyce._ Have you a kiss for G.o.dfather to-day?

_Mrs. Ruttledge._ The poor darlings! I hope they will never know what has happened.

_Colonel Lawley._ Thank goodness, they have no nonsense in their heads.

We know where we are with them.

CURTAIN.

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